Ever had one of those days when only a warm, comforting cookie will do? These Thick & Chewy Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookies have got your back! With their perfect blend of gooey chocolate and crunchy walnuts, they bring that beloved bakery experience right into your kitchen. Not only are they quick to whip up, but they’re also the ultimate crowd-pleaser—great for sharing, or just indulging yourself. The rich aroma of baking cookies will fill your home, creating a cozy vibe that puts everyone in a good mood. So, are you ready to dive into the delightful world of cookie making? Let’s get started!
Why Are These Cookies a Must-Try?
Ultimate Comfort: There’s nothing quite like the warmth of fresh-baked cookies welcoming you home.
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of rich chocolate and crunchy walnuts offers a delightful explosion of taste with every bite.
Simple Steps: With easy-to-follow instructions, you’ll be enjoying these delicious treats in no time.
Versatile Indulgence: Customize your cookies by swapping in favorite chocolates or nuts—perfect for any palate!
Perfect Texture: Enjoy a thick, chewy cookie with crispy edges, just like the ones from your favorite bakery.
Crowd-Pleasing Delight: Whether for family gatherings or an afternoon snack, these cookies are sure to impress everyone around. Don’t forget to check out our Chocolate Oat Cookies for another quick and satisfying dessert option!
Thick & Chewy Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookies
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For the Dough
• Unsalted Butter (1 cup) – Provides richness and moisture; ensure it’s softened for easy creaming.
• Brown Sugar (¾ cup) – Adds moisture and depth of flavor due to molasses content; can substitute with coconut sugar for a caramel-like flavor.
• Granulated Sugar (½ cup) – Sweetens the cookies and contributes to a crisp exterior; avoid replacing as each sugar plays a specific role in texture.
• Egg (1 large) + Egg Yolk (1 egg yolk) – The whole egg adds moisture; the yolk boosts richness and chewiness, so don’t skip it for best results.
• Vanilla Extract (2 tsp) – Enhances the overall flavor profile; use pure vanilla for optimal taste.
• All-Purpose Flour (2 ½ cups) – The main structure-making ingredient for cookies; sifting can create a lighter texture.
• Cornstarch (1 tbsp) – Helps achieve a soft, tender bite; skip for a denser cookie, but it’s recommended for the best texture.
• Baking Soda (1 tsp) – Provides lift and a softer crumb; do not replace with baking powder as it will change the texture.
• Salt (½ tsp) – Balances sweetness and enhances flavors; always use in cookie recipes for depth. -
For the Add-ins
• Semi-sweet Chocolate Chips (1 ½ cups) – Key feature for added sweetness and gooeyness; swap with dark or milk chocolate for different flavor profiles.
• Toasted Walnuts (1 cup, chopped) – Adds crunch and nuttiness; toasting enhances their flavor significantly, so don’t skip it.
• Optional: Flaky Sea Salt – Adds a sweet-and-salty contrast; sprinkle on top before baking for a gourmet touch.
These Thick & Chewy Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookies will surely be a hit in your kitchen, filling your home with heavenly aromas and leaving everyone wanting more!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Thick & Chewy Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookies
Step 1: Toast Walnuts
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the chopped walnuts on a baking sheet in an even layer and toast them for 8-10 minutes, or until golden and fragrant, keeping a close eye to prevent burning. Once toasted, remove from the oven, let them cool for a few minutes, and set aside.
Step 2: Cream Butter & Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter with brown sugar and granulated sugar. Using an electric mixer, beat on medium speed for 2-3 minutes, or until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial for achieving the rich, chewy texture of your Thick & Chewy Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookies.
Step 3: Add Eggs & Vanilla
Add one large egg and one egg yolk to the creamed butter and sugars, along with the vanilla extract. Continue to mix on medium speed until everything is well combined and smooth, about 1-2 minutes. The addition of the extra yolk is essential for the rich, chewy consistency you’ll love in these cookies.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt. This ensures that the leavening agents are evenly distributed. Take care to mix the dry ingredients thoroughly before adding them to the wet mixture, as this will greatly affect the texture of your Thick & Chewy Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookies.
Step 5: Combine Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently with a spatula or wooden spoon until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix; you want the ingredients just combined for that perfect chewy texture. This dough is the foundation of your delicious cookies!
Step 6: Incorporate Add-ins
Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and the toasted walnuts with a spatula. Mix carefully until the chocolate and walnuts are evenly distributed throughout the cookie dough, ensuring each bite of your Thick & Chewy Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookies is packed with flavor and crunch.
Step 7: Chill Dough
Use a large cookie scoop to portion out the dough balls onto a tray lined with parchment paper. Once portioned, cover the tray with plastic wrap and chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Chilling helps the cookies hold their shape while baking, resulting in thick, chewy cookies.
Step 8: Preheat Oven
While the dough is chilling, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper, making sure to prepare everything for when the dough is ready. This step will ensure even baking and prevent the cookies from sticking, allowing you to enjoy the perfect Thick & Chewy Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookies.
Step 9: Bake Cookies
After chilling, place six cookie dough balls on each prepared baking sheet, allowing space between them for spreading. Bake in the preheated oven for 11-13 minutes, or until the edges are light golden brown and the centers look slightly underbaked. This slight underbaking creates that gooey center everyone loves.
Step 10: Cool & Serve
Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. Then, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. For the ultimate experience, serve your Thick & Chewy Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookies warm; the chocolate will be melty and irresistible!
Variations & Substitutions for Thick & Chewy Cookies
Looking to make these cookies your own? Let’s sprinkle on some creative ideas and tailor them to your taste!
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Nut-Free: Leave out the walnuts or substitute with sunflower seeds for a delightful crunch without the nuts.
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Chocoholic’s Dream: Swap in a mix of dark, milk, and white chocolate chips for an indulgent, multi-layered chocolate experience. Each bite will be a new delight of flavor!
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Coconut Bliss: Add ½ cup of shredded coconut for a tropical twist; the chewy texture pairs beautifully with the chocolate and walnuts.
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Fruity Surprise: Mix in ½ cup of dried cranberries or cherries for a sweet tartness that balances the richness of the chocolate.
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Spicy Kick: Want to heat things up? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the dough for a surprising kick that contrasts with the sweetness.
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Maple Twist: For a unique flavor, replace brown sugar with pure maple syrup. Adjust the flour slightly to maintain dough consistency, and you’ll enjoy a delightful maple-infused cookie.
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Oatmeal Addition: Stir in ½ cup of quick oats for added texture. The oats provide a chewy, hearty element that complements the chocolate perfectly.
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Top-It Off: Before baking, sprinkle a touch of flaky sea salt or a drizzle of caramel for a sweet-salty finish that elevates these cookies to gourmet status.
Feel free to explore these creative variations! And if you’re in the mood for more sweet treats, check out our delicious Chocolate Oat Cookies or the inviting Chocolate Marshmallow Swirl for inspiration. Enjoy your baking journey!
Storage Tips for Thick & Chewy Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookies
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Room Temperature: Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week to maintain freshness and chewy texture.
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Fridge: If you prefer a firmer cookie, place them in the refrigerator, but note this may slightly alter the chewiness. They can stay fresh for about 1 week as well.
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Freezer: To extend their shelf life, freeze the cookies for up to 3 months in a sealed container or freezer bag. Make sure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
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Reheating: Reheat frozen cookies by placing them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes, or until warmed through and the chocolate is melty again. Enjoy your Thick & Chewy Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookies like they are fresh out of the oven!
Expert Tips for Thick & Chewy Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookies
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Perfectly Toasted Nuts: Always toast your walnuts for a richer flavor and crunch. Skipping this step can result in a less vibrant taste in your cookies.
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Chill for Success: Chilling the dough is key to achieving the perfect thickness. Don’t rush this step; it helps maintain your cookies’ shape while baking.
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Monitor Baking Time: Keep an eye on the cookies as they bake. For gooey centers, take them out when they look slightly underbaked, as they’ll continue to cook on the tray.
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Use Good Quality Chocolate: Choose high-quality semi-sweet chocolate chips for a richer taste. Avoid generic brands which may not melt as well.
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Experiment with Texture: If you prefer a thicker cookie, stack two smaller scoops of dough and bake them together. This can create a delightful contrast in your Thick & Chewy Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookies.
Make Ahead Options
These Thick & Chewy Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookies are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 3 days in advance—simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate to maintain that delightful freshness. Additionally, you can freeze portioned dough balls for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, there’s no need to thaw; just pop the frozen dough directly into a preheated oven, adding an extra couple of minutes to the baking time. This ensures you enjoy warm, gooey cookies just as delicious as if you made them fresh!
What to Serve with Thick & Chewy Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookies
Nothing pairs quite like a delicious selection of accompaniments to elevate your cookie experience!
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Cold Milk: The classic choice for cookies, its creamy texture beautifully balances the sweetness and richness, enhancing every bite.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve these cookies warm alongside a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream for a divine dessert combo that melts in your mouth.
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Fresh Berries: Strawberries or raspberries add a fruity burst and a refreshing contrast to the rich, chocolatey cookies, brightening up each bite.
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Hot Chocolate: Cozy up with a warm mug of cocoa; its chocolaty goodness perfectly complements the flavors of your cookies, making for a comforting treat.
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Caramel Sauce: Drizzle some warm caramel over cookies for an indulgent experience—its sweetness and gooeyness meld perfectly with the cookies.
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Hazelnut Coffee: The nutty notes in hazelnut coffee enhance the walnuts in your cookies, creating a warm and inviting flavor combined with every sip.
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Cheesecake Dip: For a twist, whip up a light cheesecake dip for dunking, combining the cookie’s richness with a sweet, tangy, and creamy element.
These delightful pairings will make your Thick & Chewy Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookies even more satisfying and memorable!
Thick & Chewy Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookies Recipe FAQs
What type of walnuts should I use for these cookies?
I recommend using toasted walnuts for that extra flavor kick. Chop them coarsely and toast them in the oven at 350°F for 8-10 minutes until they’re golden brown and fragrant. This brings out their rich nutty taste, elevating your Thick & Chewy Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookies!
How do I store my cookies to keep them fresh?
For optimal freshness, store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to one week. If you want to keep them longer, consider refrigerating them. Just note that refrigerating can make them slightly firmer, but they’ll last the same time.
Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Absolutely! To freeze the dough, scoop out individual cookie balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze the balls until solid, then transfer them to a resealable freezer bag or container. They can be stored for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, you can bake them straight from frozen; just add an extra minute or two to the baking time.
What should I do if my cookies spread too much during baking?
If your cookies spread too much, it may be due to the butter being too soft or the dough not being chilled long enough. To remedy this, try chilling the dough for a longer period before baking—up to an hour if needed. You can also opt to use slightly colder butter, but don’t let it get rock hard; that would make it difficult to cream properly.
Are there any dietary considerations for these cookies?
Yes! These Thick & Chewy Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookies contain gluten and dairy due to the flour and butter. If you’re baking for someone with allergies, consider using gluten-free flour blends and dairy-free butter alternatives. Additionally, you can make them nut-free by omitting walnuts altogether or substituting with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds for crunch.
Thick & Chewy Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookies for Pure Indulgence
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the chopped walnuts on a baking sheet in an even layer and toast them for 8-10 minutes, keeping a close eye.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter with brown sugar and granulated sugar. Beat on medium speed for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy.
- Add one large egg and one egg yolk along with the vanilla extract to the creamed mixture. Mix on medium speed until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir gently until a soft dough forms.
- Fold in the chocolate chips and toasted walnuts until evenly distributed.
- Scoop out the dough onto a tray lined with parchment paper, cover with plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) during chilling. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Place six cookie dough balls on each baking sheet, allowing space for spreading. Bake for 11-13 minutes until edges are light golden brown.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
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